La Crosse City Council member Doug Happel said increasing his expense account by $25 a month isn't worth it, which is why he voted against the proposal.

"It's negligible. And that why I'd say it's silly. It's unnecessary. Because the reality is, the expense account and the salary are basically inseparable," said Happel.

Olson said both sides of the equation are worth increasing, even though he's stepping down from his seat and won't see a penny of it.

"What I would like people to know is there's so much more involved in being a council member for the city of La Crosse than what people see. And to those doubters I say, 'Run for council.' See what it's like. Put your time in. Then you'll understand where I'm coming from," said Olson.

A handful of people spoke out against the increases at Tuesday night's public hearing, saying participating in city council should be considered a public service.

"I've heard a lot of people say, 'It's a community service and you should just do it.' Well, I don't see those people lining up to do it,” said Kader.

Tuesday night's vote is not the final one. The full city council will take up both proposals at its meeting tomorrow night.

The salary increase would not take effect until 2015.

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